Abortion

1. Abortion

2. January 1988 the Supreme Court of Canada legalized abortion through which month of pregnancy? 3rd month 4th month 6th month 9th month Abortion iq

3. Which age group has the most abortions? A) 15-19 B) 20-24 C) 25-29 D) 30-34

4. A developing baby’s heart begins to beat at: 21 days 30 days 45 days 60 days

6. From the Latin word aboriri = “to perish” “the loss of a fetal life” Direct and Indirect abortion Definition

7. Induced abortion: active removal of the human embryo or fetus before 20 weeks Surgical abortion: using surgical instruments Medical abortion: using pharmaceutical drugs Methods of Abortion

8. Pro-Choice supporting or advocating legalized abortion. Pro-Life opposed to legalized abortion; right-to-life • What do you think? 1st trimester when fetus cannot support itself • Personhood differs from human life • Adoption is not an alternative—remains the woman’s choice • Safe medical procedure • Cause further psychological harm in hard cases • Personal autonomy is a civil right • Teenage parents have grim prospects • What do you think? • Life begins at conception • No civilization allows intentional harm w/o punishment—law must protect the most basic human rights • Adoption • Medical complications • Proper support for hard cases • Not a form of contraception • Procedure risks Common Arguments For/Against

9. Common source of debate for the abortion issue • Roe v. Wade: fetus is only a potential person and is not accorded civil rites under the constitution • Self-consciousness, rationality, autonomy are required to possess personhood The Court ..,.affirming Roe's central holding that a person has a right to abortion up until viability.The Roe decision defined "viable" as being "potentially able to live outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid," adding that viability "is usually placed at about seven months (28 weeks) but may occur earlier, even at 24 weeks." • Our viewpoint: from moment of conception until our natural death we possess a human life and personhood • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS1ti23SUSw When does human life begin?

10. provided on request and funded in hospitals Abortion funding for hospitals comes from the various provincial governments (their overall health expenses are however paid for in part by the federal government). One-third of hospitals perform abortions, and these perform two-thirds of abortions in the country The remaining abortions are performed by public and private-for-profit clinics ie. ) Planned Parenthood Canadian laws

11. In 2005, 97,254 abortions were performed This number has been decreasing at least since 1998. This represents a ratio of about 30 abortions to every 100 live

12. 40 % of pregnancies are unplanned • 50% of those unplanned pregnancies end in adoption • Less than 1% put their child up for adoption • In Canada, • Couples can wait up to 10 years • International adoption could take 5 years Adoption as an option

13. 2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person -- among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. • Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. (72) Catechism of the Catholic ChurchDignity of human life

14. 2274 Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being. “…direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being.” (Evangelium Vitae §62) Catechism of the Catholic Church

15. “By all criteria of molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception” Dr. Hymie Gordon, Chairman, Department at Mayo Clinic “Based on scientific description of fertilization, fusion of egg and sperm in the “moment of conception” generates a new human cell, the zygote, with composition and behavior distinct from that of either gamete. Moreover, this cell is not merely a unique human cell, but a cell with all the properties of a fully complete(albeit immature) human organism; it is “an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function by mutually dependent: a living being” Westchester Institute for Ethics and the Human person What does Science say?

16. The evacuation is not the intended or directly willed result, but the side effect, of some legitimate procedure • As such it is morally allowable • Double effect Indirect Abortion

17. ethical criteria for evaluating whether an act is allowable when one's otherwise legitimate act will also cause an effect one would normally be obliged to avoid • example • relieving a terminally ill patient's pain ends up resulting in a patient’s death Double Effect

18. The act itself must be morally good (or indifferent) The agent may not will the bad effect (but may merely permit it). If he could attain the good effect without the bad effect, he should do so. The good effect cannot arise from the bad effect; otherwise, one would do evil to achieve good. Double effect conditions

19. A pregnant uterus is removed because its condition is medically necessary • There is a living and nonviable fetus • The death of the fetus is a secondary effect and therefore is not directly attacked Indirect Abortion—Removal of Uterus

20. A destruction of the product of human conception, whether before or after implantation in the womb. Intended either as an end in itself or as a means to an end. http://teenabortionissues.com/ Direct Abortion

21. Birth control failure Inability to support or care for a child End an unwanted pregnancy Fetal abnormalities Rape/incest Mother’s health ***Less than 6% of abortions are a result of the final three justifications. ***Commonly used as justifications because of the emotional weight they hold Common Justifications for Abortion

22. Amniocentesis: tests a sample of amniotic fluid for abnormalities (i.e. Down’s Syndrome, spina bifida, etc.) • Performed after the 1st trimester • Regardless of abnormalities, the fetus (and baby) have intrinsic human value • 1% of abortions are related to fetal abnormalities Fetal Abnormalities

23. Does a person’s value change based on their physical condition or the circumstances of their conception??? We should not give a baby a death sentence for something it did not do The woman is often forced to hold on to the evil of rape in order to justify the guilt of the abortion (prevents healing from occurring) 1% of abortion cases are related to rape/incest Rape and/or Incest

24. Indirect abortion=morally accepted Any other reason is morally unacceptable 3% of abortion cases related to mother’s health Gianna’s story Mother’s Health

26. Unique fingerprints Baby sleeps, awakens and exercises her muscles by turning her head, curling her toes, and opening and closing her mouth Mom can’t feel baby but baby is very active Sex can be visually determined By end of month all organs are functioning 9-12 weeks along

27. Organizations designed to offer support during the decision making process and after • Back Porch, Birthright (Edmonton, AB) offers counselling and various educational resources • For men and women!! • Specialized schools and day cares for teens • Over 5000 abortions are performed each year in Edmonton Support and Resources

28. Abortion Percentage by Country

29. Abortion rates have dropped over the passed decade. • What may account for this decline? • Teenage pregnancy rates have also dropped • Did you know that regardless of your position on abortion your tax dollars help pay for the procedures?! Statistics Con’t

30. Likelihood of depression and anxiety disorders • Especially high for those who have been coerced • Common psychological health problems: anxiety, depression, drug abuse, PTSD, sexual dysfunction, sleep problems, suicidal ideation Psychological Effects of Abortion

31. Men cannot prevent their partners (gf/wife) from having an abortion done They can prevent a baby being placed for adoption Testimony: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=0d7ef373b14258fc1140 Male Rights

32. Believe it is up to the women to decide what should or should not be done with her body (radical personal autonomy) • Note the lack of the man’s choice and the lack of the baby’s choice • Often associated with feminist ideology • May say “I wouldn’t get an abortion, but others should have the right to choose.” Pro-Choice Advocates

33. Anyone who ALWAYS chooses the preservation of life over the destruction of it • Not just a Christian perspective • Actively promote life through discussion, actions and prayer • NEVER use images of aborted fetuses to promote the cause = OBJECTIFICATION http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=499457c7320750efbf51 Pro Life Advocates

34. LDS: "elective abortion for personal or social convenience is contrary to the will and the commandments of God.” Hinduism: Unless a mother's health is at risk, traditional Hindu teachings condemn abortion because it is thought to violate the religion's teachings of non-violence. The general value system of Hinduism teaches that the correct course of action in any given situation is the one that causes the least harm to those involved. Pro Life Not Just For Christians

35. Islam: at 4 months a fetus has a soul—abortion is not permissible at this point • Most argue that before 4 months it should only occur if the mother’s life is at risk or in cases of rape • Judaism: safe-guard life and well-being of a mother • Some denominations advocate for safe and accessible abortion Other Religions Con’t

36. Protestants: official stance differs between denominations (many are pro-choice or have various “exceptions”) Buddhists: no official teaching; believe life starts at conception and that killing is morally wrong Sikhism: Life starts at conception; very strict stance against abortion ***Consider political and cultural impacts on abortion views Other Religions con’t

37. Understand the issue and recognize where your stance comes from Support and/or volunteer at Back Porch or other support organizations Life Chain and other various activities Prayer How you can get involved…

38. www.catholic.com www.catholicculture.org www.ewtn.com/library/PROFILE/INDIRECT.TXT www.trosch.org www.women.webmd.com www.pewforum.org/Abortion/Religious-Groups-Official-Positions-On-Abortion.aspx www.johnstonarchive.net/policy/abortion www.abortionincanada.ca “Pro-Life Versus Pro-Choice: Understanding the Moral Evil of Abortion Issues” by Elizabeth Darbyshire Youth Update: Abortion (magazine) References

39. Surgeon intends to save the mother’s life (while it is clear the fetus will die, that is not the intention) Surgeon’s act consists of removing a diseased part of the body which is jeopardizing the mother’s life—presence of the fetus does not alter the nature of the act The evil effect (death of the fetus) does not cause the good effect (saving the mother) Safeguarding the mother’s health is a proportionately grave reason for permitting the death of the fetus Excised Uterus AND Double Effect

40. Fertilized ovum lodges in part of the Fallopian tube The implanted embryo perforates the tube and hemorrhaging begins The growing fetus will eventually rupture the tube—this may kill the mother if surgery isn’t performed Indirect Abortion—Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy

41. Splitting the Fallopian and removing the fetus would be gravely evil—direct attack on the fetus • The surgeon sets up to destroy the fetus as a means of curing the mother • Removing the entire tube if it is in a gravely dangerous condition or has ruptured is morally acceptable Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: Removing the Fetus vs. Removing the Fallopian Tube

42. Surgeon intends to save the mother’s life (while it is clear the fetus will die, that is not the intention) Surgeon’s act consists of removing a diseased part of the body which is jeopardizing the mother’s life—presence of the fetus does not alter the nature of the act The evil effect (death of the fetus) does not cause the good effect (saving the mother) Safeguarding the mother’s health is a proportionately grave reason for permitting the death of the fetus Excised Tube and Double Effect